Kathmandu — One month into his premiership, Balendra “Balen” Shah is navigating high expectations, early reform promises and mounting controversy. Backed by a near two-thirds parliamentary majority after the March 5 vote and taking office on March 27, Shah’s rise was powered by strong youth support and a call to break with traditional politics.
In his initial cabinet meeting, Shah endorsed a sweeping 100-point governance reform agenda. The plan calls for slimming federal ministries, merging expensive boards and committees, depoliticising the bureaucracy and teachers, and delivering routine citizen services—passports, licences and identity documents—through the postal system. It also includes implementing recommendations from the Gauri Bahadur Karki commission, reviving stalled infrastructure projects, digitising investment and industrial services, and formulating a long-term energy export strategy.
But the first month has been turbulent. Two ministers departed within 30 days: Labour Minister Deepak Sah was removed after controversy over appointing his spouse to the Health Insurance Board, and Home Minister Sudan (Sudhan) Gurung resigned amid criticism about alleged ties to a businessman under investigation. The rapid exits have raised questions about ministerial vetting and internal cohesion.
“Young voters who pushed for change are asking whether capable ministers are available in parliament,” said Michael Tamang, a Gen Z voter, reflecting public unease. Other young supporters voiced disappointment that early controversies have clouded hopes for swift, effective governance. “I was hopeful when Balen became prime minister, but two ministers resigned within a month,” said Garima Shrestha of Gorkha. Sadikshya Shrestha from Lalitpur said the government has yet to take major steps on its campaign promise to create domestic jobs.
Controversies have extended beyond personnel. The government’s move to implement the Karki Commission report—popular among Gen Z protesters during the interim period—has been criticised for lacking clear legal grounding. High-profile arrests, including those of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, drew legal pushback when paperwork was found wanting and courts ordered their release. Nepali Congress leader Deepak Khadka was also released after prolonged detention amid weak evidence.
Shah himself has maintained a low public profile, not addressing the nation or holding a press conference since taking office, a silence that has fuelled curiosity and criticism, particularly as allegations swirl around Rabi Lamichhane, the ruling party’s chairman, in cooperative fraud cases. The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has pushed amendments to delay MP disqualifications until formal indictment—moves critics say protect insiders and run counter to youth demands for accountability. Access to the Prime Minister’s Office has reportedly tightened, requiring special arrangements and raising transparency concerns.
Policy initiatives have produced mixed reactions. A two-day weekend was introduced and welcomed by some but resisted by local governments and schools scrambling to adjust academic calendars. Efforts to clear riverside squatting drew human-rights concerns about planning and humane rehabilitation. Tighter regulation at the open Nepal-India border triggered trade tensions and protests, and fuel prices remained high despite tax waivers; the state oil company raised prices by about NPR 50 within the month.
On administration, there are small early wins: the backlog in driving licence distribution accelerated, and several citizens flagged longer office hours and improved accessibility. “Government offices opening early and closing late is a positive change we should acknowledge,” said Binayak Shumsher Thapa, a young resident of Kathmandu.
Diplomatically, Shah signalled a different tone by meeting ambassadors collectively rather than through multiple bilateral sessions—an approach some observers see as symbolic of a more consolidated foreign-policy posture.
As the youthful political wave that propelled him watches closely, Shah’s government faces a pivotal period. The 100-point blueprint is bold on paper, but credibility will depend on how swiftly the administration manages controversy, demonstrates tangible policy wins—especially on jobs and prices—and reconnects with public expectations.
